Insight into the photoinduced ligand exchange reaction pathway of cis-[Rh2(μ-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ with a DNA model chelate

We previously showed that [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) binds to dsDNA only upon irradiation with visible light and that photolysis results in a 34-fold enhancement of its cytotoxicity toward Hs-27 human skin fibroblasts, making it potentially useful for photodynamic therapy (PDT). With the goal of gaining further insight on the photoinduced binding of DNA to the complex, we investigated by NMR spectroscopy the mechanism by which 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), a model for biologically relevant bidentate nitrogen donor ligands, binds to [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) upon irradiation in D(2)O. The photochemical results are compared to the reactivity in the dark in D(2)O and CD(3)CN. The photolysis of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with equimolar bpy solutions in D(2)O with visible light affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eq/eq-bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)(D(2)O(ax))(2)](2+) (eq/eq) with the reaction reaching completion in ~8 h. Only vestiges of eq/eq are observed at the same time in the dark, however, and the reaction is ~20 times slower. Conversely, the dark reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with an equimolar amount of bpy in CD(3)CN affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(η(1)-bpy(ax))(CH(3)CN)(5)](2+) (η(1)-bpy(ax)), which remains present even after 5 days of reaction. The photolysis results in D(2)O are consistent with the exchange of one equiv CH(3)CNeq for solvent, and the resulting species quickly reacting with bpy to generate eq/eq; the initial eq ligand dissociation is assisted by absorption of a photon, thus greatly enhancing the reaction rate. The photolytic reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+):bpy in a 1:2 ratio in D(2)O affords the eq/eq and (eq/eq)(2) adducts. The observed differences in the reactivity in D(2)O vs CD(3)CN are explained by the relative ease of substitution of eq D(2)O vs CD(3)CN by the incoming bpy molecule. These results clearly highlight the importance of dissociation of an eq CH(3)CN molecule from the dirhodium core to attain high reactivity and underscore the importance of light for the reactivity of these compounds, which is essential for PDT agents.     

Systematic preparation of Mo 2 4+ building blocks for supramolecular assemblies

The preparation of additional and useful building blocks for the construction of supramolecular entities with quadruply bonded Mo(2)(4+) units has been explored, and five new mixed-ligand complexes with three types of ligands and various basicities are reported. The ligands used were the DAniF (N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) anion, the acetate anion, and neutral acetonitrile molecules. The formamidinate ligands are the least labile, and the acetonitrile molecules are the most labile. This difference as well as a relatively strong trans directing influence by the formamidinate anions in ligand substitution reactions allows designed synthesis of various mixed-ligand building blocks, including rare pairs of cis and trans isomers. The new compounds are cis-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (1), trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2) (2), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(2)]BF(4) (3), trans-[Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(CH(3)CN(eq)())(4)](BF(4))(2) (4), and [Mo(2)(O(2)CH(3))(CH(3)CN(eq)())(6)(CH(3)CN(ax)())](BF(4))(3) (5), where eq and ax designate equatorial and axial ligands, respectively. A comparison with some previously synthesized complexes is given along with a discussion of the overall reactivity of all compounds.     

Chiral organometallic triangles with Rh-Rh bonds. 1. Compounds prepared from racemic cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(OAc)2

Reaction of racemic cis-Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)(OAc)(2)(HOAc)(2) with excess Me(3)OBF(4) in CH(3)CN results in the formation of racemic cis-[Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2).0.5H(2)O (1.0.5H(2)O), an ionic dirhodium complex which has two cisoid nonlabile orthometalated phosphine bridging anions and six labile CH(3)CN ligands in equatorial and axial positions. Reactions of 1 with tetraethylammonium salts of the linear dicarboxylates, oxalate, terephthalate, and 4,4'-biphenyl-dicarboxylate, in organic solvents, produced racemic crystals of the triangular compounds [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(C(2)O(4))(3)(py)(6).6MeOH.H(2)O (2.6MeOH.H(2)O), [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(3)(DMF)(6).6.5DMF.0.5H(2)O (3.6.5DMF.0.5H(2)O), and [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)CO(2))(3)(py)(6).4.5CH(3)OH.0.75H(2)O (4.4.5CH(3)OH.0.75H(2)O), respectively. All compounds are electrochemically active. The relative chiralities of the dirhodium units in each triangle have been established using a combination of data from X-ray crystallography and (31)P NMR spectroscopy.     

Homologous series of redox-active, dinuclear cations [M(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)](2+) (M = Mo, Ru, Rh) with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp)

A homologous series of dinuclear compounds with the bridging ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (pynp) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic methods. [Mo(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x 3CH(3)CN (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 15.134(5) A, b = 14.301(6) A, c = 19.990(6) A, beta = 108.06(2) degrees, V = 4113(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Ru(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][PF(6)](2) x 2CH(3)OH (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 14.2228(7) A, b = 20.3204(9) A, c = 14.1022(7) A, beta = 95.144(1) degrees, V = 4059.3(3) A(3), and Z = 4. [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)][BF(4)](2) x C(7)H(8) (3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 13.409(2) A, b = 21.670(3) A, c = 13.726(2) A, beta = 94.865(2) degrees, V = 3973.9(8) A(3), and Z = 4. A minor product, [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(pynp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)][PF(6)] x 2CH(3)CN (4), was isolated from the mother liquor after crystals of 3 had been harvested; this compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group, P1 with a = 12.535(3) A, b = 13.116(3) A, c = 13.785(3) A, alpha = 82.52(3) degrees, beta = 77.70(3) degrees, gamma = 85.76(3) degrees, V = 2193.0(8) A(3), and Z = 2. Compounds 1-3 constitute a convenient series for probing the influence of the electronic configuration on the extent of mixing of the M-M orbitals with the pi system of the pynp ligand. Single point energy calculations performed on 1-3 at the B3LYP level of theory lend insight into the bonding in these compounds and allow for correlations to be made with electronic spectral data. Although purely qualitative in nature, the values for normalized change in orbital energies (NCOE) of the frontier orbitals before and after reduction are in agreement with the observed differences in reduction potentials as determined by cyclic voltammetry.     

Isolation of the novel dirhodium(II/II) thiolate compound Rh(2)(eta(1)-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(mu-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(bpy)(2)

The reaction of the anticancer active compound [Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(bpy)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)](2) (1) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) with NaC(6)H(5)S under anaerobic conditions yields Rh(2)(eta(1)-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(mu-C(6)H(5)S)(2)(bpy)(2).CH(3)OH (2), which was characterized by UV-visible, IR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopies as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compound 2 crystallizes as dark red platelets in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell parameters a = 20.398(4) A, b = 11.861(2) A, c = 17.417(4) A, beta = 108.98 degrees, V = 3984.9(14) A(3), Z = 4. The main structural features are the presence of a [Rh(2)](4+) core with a Rh-Rh distance of 2.549(2) A bridged by two benzene thiolate ligands in a butterfly-type arrangement. The axial positions of the [Rh(2)](4+) core are occupied by two terminal benzene thiolates. Cyclic voltammetric studies of 2 reveal that the compound exhibits an irreversible oxidation at +0.046 V in CH(3)CN, which is in accord with the fact that the compound readily oxidizes in the presence of O(2). The fact that this unusual dirhodium(II/II) thiolate compound is formed under these conditions is an important first step in understanding the metabolism of dirhodium anticancer active compounds with thiol-containing peptides and proteins.     

New dinuclear catalysts Rh(2)(N-O)(2)[(C6H4)P(C6H5)2]2 with imidate ligands: synthesis and isomerization from head-to-tail to head-to-head configuration of the imidate ligands

Two new dirhodium(II) catalysts of general formula Rh(2)(N-O)(2)[(C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2)](2) (N-O = C(4)H(4)NO(2)) are prepared, starting from Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2)L(2) [PC = (C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2) (head-to-tail arrangement); L = HO(2)CCH(3)]. The thermal reaction of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2).L(2) with the neutral succinimide stereoselectively gives one compound that according to the X-ray structure determination has the formula Rh(2)(C(4)H(4)NO(2))(2)[(C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2)](2) (1). It corresponds to the polar isomer with two bridging imidate ligands in a head-to-head configuration. However, stepwise reaction of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2).L(2) with (CH(3))(3)SiCl and potassium succinimidate yields a mixture of 1 and one of the two possible isomers (structure B) with a head-to-tail configuration of the imidate ligands, Rh(2)(C(4)H(4)NO(2))(2)[(C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2)](2) (2), also characterized by X-ray methods. In solution, compound 2 undergoes slow isomerization to 1; the rate of this process is enhanced by the presence of acetonitrile. Compounds 1 and 2 are obtained as pure enantiomers starting from (M)- and (P)-Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2).L(2) rather than from the racemic mixture. Their enantioselectivities in cyclopropanation of 1-diazo-5-penten-2-one are similar to those reported for the dirhodium amidate catalysts.     

Electronic and structural variation among copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthrolines

A series of copper(II) complexes with substituted phenanthroline ligands has been synthesized and characterized electronically and structurally. The compounds that have been prepared include the monosubstituted ligand complexes of the general formula [Cu(5-R-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), where R = NO(2), Cl, H, or Me, and the disubstituted ligand complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2). The complexes [Cu(5-NO(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN](BF(4))(2) (1), [Cu(5-Cl-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (2), [Cu(o-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (3), and [Cu(5-Me-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (4) each crystallize in the space group C2/c with compounds 1, 2, and 4 comprising an isomorphous set. The disubstituted complex [Cu(5,6-Me(2)-phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (5) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c. Each structure is characterized by a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of ligands around the central copper atom with approximate or exact C(2) symmetry. The progression from electron-withdrawing to electron-donating substituents on the phenanthroline ligands correlates with less accessible reduction potentials for the bis-chelate complexes.     

Dicarboxylate-bridged (Mo2)n (n = 2, 3, 4) paddle-wheel complexes: potential intermediate building blocks for metal-organic frameworks

The treatment of the dimeric paddle-wheel (PW) compound [Mo(2)(NCCH(3))(10)][BF(4)](4)1 with oxalic acid (0.5 equiv.), 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid (1 equiv.), 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (1 equiv.) (m-bdc-OH) or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid (0.5 or 1 equiv.) leads to the formation of macromolecular dicarboxylate-linked (Mo(2))(n) entities (n = 2, 3, 4). The structure of the compounds depends on the length and geometry of the organic linkers. In the case of oxalic acid, the dimeric compound [(CH(3)CN)(8)Mo(2)(OOC-COO)Mo(2)(NCCH(3))(8)][BF(4)](6)2 is formed selectively, whereas the use of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid affords the square-shaped complex [(CH(3)CN)(6)Mo(2)(OOC-C(6)F(4)-COO)](4)[BF(4)](8)3. Bent linkers with a bridging angle of 109° and 120°, respectively, lead to the formation of the molecular loop [(CH(3)CN)(6)Mo(2)(OOC-C(4)H(6)-COO)](2)[BF(4)](4)4 and the bowl-shaped molecular triangle [(CH(3)CN)(6)Mo(2)(m-bdc-OH)](3)[BF(4)](6)5. All complexes are characterised by X-ray single crystal diffraction, NMR ((1)H, (11)B, (13)C and (19)F) and UV-Vis spectroscopy.     

Modulation of metal-metal separations in a series of Ag(I) and intensely blue photoluminescent Cu(I) NHC-bridged triangular clusters

A series of picolyl-substituted NHC-bridged triangular complexes of Ag(I) and Cu(I) were synthesized upon reaction of the corresponding ligand precursors, [Him(CH(2)py)(2)]BF(4) (1a), [Him(CH(2)py-3,4-(OMe)(2))(2)]BF(4) (1b), [Him(CH(2)py-3,5-Me(2)-4-OMe)(2)]BF(4) (1c), [Him(CH(2)py-6-COOMe)(2)]BF(4) (1d), and [H(S)im(CH(2)py)(2)]BF(4) (1e), with Ag(2)O and Cu(2)O, respectively. Complexes [Cu(3)(im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (2a), [Cu(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,4-(OMe)(2))(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (2b), [Cu(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,5-Me(2)-4-OMe)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), (2c), [Ag(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,4-(OMe)(2))(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), (3b), [Ag(3)(im(CH(2)py-3,5-Me(2)-4-OMe)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (3c), [Ag(3)(im(CH(2)py-6-COOMe)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (3d), and [Ag(3)((S)im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3) (3e) were easily prepared by this method. Complex 2e, [Cu(3)((S)im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), was synthesized by a carbene-transfer reaction of 3e, [Ag(3)((S)im(CH(2)py)(2))(3)](BF(4))(3), with CuCl in acetonitrile. The ligand precursor 1d did not react with Cu(2)O. All complexes were fully characterized by NMR, UV-vis, and luminescence spectroscopies and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Complexes 2a-2c, 2e, and 3b-3e were additionally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Each metal complex contains a nearly equilateral triangular M(3) core wrapped by three bridging NHC ligands. In 2a-2c and 2e, the Cu-Cu separations are short and range from 2.4907 to 2.5150 ?. In the corresponding Ag(I) system, the metal-metal separations range from 2.7226 to 2.8624 ?. The Cu(I)-containing species are intensely blue photoluminescent at room temperature both in solution and in the solid state. Upon UV excitation in CH(3)CN, complexes 2a-2c and 2e emit at 459, 427, 429, and 441 nm, whereas in the solid state, these bands move to 433, 429, 432, and 440 nm, respectively. As demonstrated by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, complexes 3b-3e are dynamic in solution and undergo a ligand dissociation process. Complexes 3b-3e are weakly photoemissive in the solid state.     

Group 9 Chalcogenometalates

The compounds [K(18-crown-6)](3)[Ir(Se(4))(3)] (1), [K(2.2.2-cryptand)](3)[Ir(Se(4))(3)].C(6)H(5)CH(3) (2), and [K(18-crown-6)(DMF)(2)][Ir(NCCH(3))(2)(Se(4))(2)] (3) (DMF = dimethylformamide) have been prepared from the reaction of [Ir(NCCH(3))(2)(COE)(2)][BF(4)] (COE = cyclooctene) with polyselenide anions in acetonitrile/DMF. Analogous reactions utilizing [Rh(NCCH(3))(2)(COE)(2)][BF(4)] as a Rh source produce homologues of the Ir complexes; these have been characterized by (77)Se NMR spectroscopy. [NH(4)](3)[Ir(S(6))(3)].H(2)O.0.5CH(3)CH(2)OH (4) has been synthesized from the reaction of IrCl(3).nH(2)O with aqueous (NH(4))(2)S(m)(). In the structure of [K(18-crown-6)](3)[Ir(Se(4))(3)] (1) the Ir(III) center is chelated by three Se(4)(2)(-) ligands to form a distorted octahedral anion. The structure contains a disordered racemate of the Deltalambdalambdalambda and Lambdadeltadeltadelta conformers. The K(+) cations are pulled out of the planes of the crowns and interact with Se atoms of the [Ir(Se(4))(3)](3)(-) anion. [K(2.2.2-cryptand)](3)[Ir(Se(4))(3)].C(6)H(5)CH(3) (2) possesses no short K.Se interactions; here the [Ir(Se(4))(3)](3)(-) anion crystallizes as the Deltalambdalambdadelta/Lambdadeltadeltalambda racemate. In the crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)(DMF)(2)][Ir(NCCH(3))(2)(Se(4))(2)] (3), the K(+) cation is coordinated by an 18-crown-6 ligand and two DMF molecules and the anion comprises an octahedral Ir(III) center bound by two chelating Se(4)(2)(-) chains and two trans acetonitrile groups. The [Ir(Se(4))(3)](3)(-) and [Rh(Se(4))(3)](3)(-) anions undergo conformational transformations as a function of temperature, as observed by (77)Se NMR spectroscopy. The thermodynamics of these transformations are: [Ir(Se(4))(3)](3)(-), DeltaH = 2.5(5) kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = 11.5(2.2) eu; [Rh(Se(4))(3)](3)(-), DeltaH = 5.2(7) kcal mol(-)(1), DeltaS = 24.7(3.0) eu.     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Dinuclear silver(I) complexes for the design of metal-ligand networks based on triazolopyrimidines

Silver(I) coordination complexes with the versatile and biomimetic ligands 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (tp), 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dmtp) and 7-amine-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (7atp) all feature dinuclear [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)](2+) building units (where tp is a triazolopyrimidine derivative), which are the preferred motif, independently of the counter-anion used. According to AIM (atoms in molecules) and ELF (electron localization function) analyses, this fact is due to the great stability of these dinuclear species. The complexes structures range from the dinuclear entities [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](BF(4))(2) (1), [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (2), [Ag(2)(μ-7atp)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3) and [Ag(2)(μ-dmtp)(2)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(ClO(4)) (4) over the 1D polymer chain [Ag(2)(μ-CF(3)SO(3))(2)(μ-dmtp)(2)](n) (5) to the 3D net {[Ag(2)(μ(3)-tp)(2)](PF(6))(2)·～6H(2)O}(n) (6) with NbO topology.     

Studies of a series of [Ni(P(R)2N(Ph)2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes as electrocatalysts for H2 production: substituent variation at the phosphorus atom of the P2N2 ligand

A series of [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes containing the cyclic diphosphine ligands [P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2) = 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; R = benzyl (Bn), n-butyl (n-Bu), 2-phenylethyl (PE), 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl (TP), and cyclohexyl (Cy)] have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the cations of [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(P(n-Bu)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. The Ni(0) complex [Ni(P(Bn)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)] was also synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and shown to have a distorted tetrahedral structure. These complexes, with the exception of [Ni(P(Cy)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), all exhibit reversible electron transfer processes for both the Ni(II/I) and Ni(I/0) couples and are electrocatalysts for the production of H(2) in acidic acetonitrile solutions. The heterolytic cleavage of H(2) by [Ni(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) complexes in the presence of p-anisidine or p-bromoaniline was used to determine the hydride donor abilities of the corresponding [HNi(P(R)(2)N(Ph)(2))(2)](BF(4)) complexes. However, for the catalysts with the most bulky R groups, the turnover frequencies do not parallel the driving force for elimination of H(2), suggesting that steric interactions between the alkyl substituents on phosphorus and the nitrogen atom of the pendant amines play an important role in determining the overall catalytic rate.     

Tetranuclear copper(I) carboxylates: the effect of a stepwise increase in Lewis acidity on solid-state structures and photoluminescence

X-Ray diffraction studies of three aliphatic copper(I) carboxylates revealed a tetranuclear core structure for [Cu(4)(O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(4)] (1), [Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(3))(O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(3)] (2), and [Cu(4)(O(2)CCF(2)CF(3))(4)] (3). The effect of a stepwise increase in electrophilicity on solid-state interactions of copper(I) tetramers as well as the implications of structural variations on photoluminescent properties of the above copper(I) propionates have been discussed.     

Coordination algorithms control molecular architecture: [CuI4(L2)4]4+ grid complex versus [MII2(L2)2X4]y+ side-by-side complexes (M=Mn,Co, Ni,Zn; X=solvent or anion) and [FeII(L2)3][Cl3FeIIIOFeIIICl3

The synthesis and characterisation of a pyridazine-containing two-armed grid ligand L2 (prepared from one equivalent of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and two equivalents of p-anisidine) and the resulting transition metal (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) complexes (1-9) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed that the copper(I) complex had self-assembled as a [2 x 2] grid, [Cu(I) (4)(L2)(4)][PF(6)](4).(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (2.(CH(3)CN)(H(2)O)(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)), whereas the [Zn(2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)][ClO(4)](4).CH(3)CN (1.CH(3)CN), [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)][BF(4)](4).(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25) (5 a.(CH(3)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3))(0.25)) and [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][ClO(4)](4).(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5) (6 a.(H(2)O)(CH(3)CN)(0.5)) complexes adopt a side-by-side architecture; iron(II) forms a monometallic cation binding three L2 ligands, [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][Fe(III)Cl(3)OCl(3)Fe(III)].CH(3)CN (7.CH(3)CN). A more soluble salt of the cation of 7, the diamagnetic complex [Fe(II)(L2)(3)][BF(4)](2).2 H(2)O (8), was prepared, as well as two derivatives of 2, [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(2)(NCS)(2)].H(2)O (3) and [Cu(I) (2)(L2)(NCS)(2)] (4). The manganese complex, [Mn(II) (2)(L2)(2)Cl(4)].3 H(2)O (9), was not structurally characterised, but is proposed to adopt a side-by-side architecture. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility studies yielded small negative J values for the side-by-side complexes: J=-21.6 cm(-1) and g=2.17 for S=1 dinickel(II) complex [Ni(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][BF(4)](4) (5 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-7.6 cm(-1) and g=2.44 for S= 3/2 dicobalt(II) complex [Co(II) (2)(L2)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][ClO(4)](4) (6 b) (fraction monomer 0.02); J=-3.2 cm(-1) and g=1.95 for S= 5/2 dimanganese(II) complex 9 (fraction monomer 0.02). The double salt, mixed valent iron complex 7.H(2)O gave J=-75 cm(-1) and g=1.81 for the S= 5/2 diiron(III) anion (fraction monomer=0.025). These parameters are lower than normal for Fe(III)OFe(III) species because of fitting of superimposed monomer and dimer susceptibilities arising from trace impurities. The iron(II) centre in 7.H(2)O is low spin and hence diamagnetic, a fact confirmed by the preparation and characterisation of the simple diamagnetic iron(II) complex 8. M?ssbauer measurements at 77 K confirmed that there are two iron sites in 7.H(2)O, a low-spin iron(II) site and a high-spin diiron(III) site. A full electrochemical investigation was undertaken for complexes 1, 2, 5 b, 6 b and 8 and this showed that multiple redox processes are a feature of all of them.     

Excited-state properties of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(L)(2) (L = CH(3)OH, THF, PPh(3), py)

The photophysical properties of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(L)(2) (L = CH(3)OH, THF = tetrahydrofuran, PPh(3) = triphenylphosphine, py = pyridine) were explored upon excitation with visible light. Time-resolved absorption shows that all the complexes possess a long-lived transient (3.5-5.0 micros) assigned as an electronic excited state of the molecules, and they exhibit an optical transition at approximately 760 nm whose position is independent of axial ligand. No emission from the Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(L)(2) (L = CH(3)OH, THF, PPh(3), py) systems was detected, but energy transfer from Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(PPh(3))(2) to the (3)pipi excited state of perylene is observed. Electron transfer from Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(PPh(3))(2) to 4,4'-dimethyl viologen (MV(2+)) and chloro-p-benzoquinone (Cl-BQ) takes place with quenching rate constants (k(q)) of 8.0 x 10(6) and 1.2 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) in methanol, respectively. A k(q) value of 2 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) was measured for the quenching of the excited state of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(PPh(3))(2) by O(2) in methanol. The observations are consistent with the production of an excited state with excited-state energy, E(00), between 1.34 and 1.77 eV.     

Dirhodium formamidinate compounds with bidentate nitrogen chelating ligands

The reactions of [Rh(2)(DTolF)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)][BF(4)](2) (1) (DTolF = N,N'-di-p-tolylformamidinate) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) proceed with substitution of CH(3)CN molecules to give products with the N-N ligands chelating in an equatorial-equatorial (eq-eq) fashion. Compound 1 reacts with 1 equiv of bpy to yield a mixture of [Rh(2)(DTolF)(2)(bpy)(CH(3)CN)(3)][BF(4)](2).(CH(3))(2)CO (2a) and [Rh(2)(DTolF)(2)(bpy)(CH(3)CN)(4)][BF(4)](2) (2b). Compound 2a crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 13.5856(2) A, b = 18.0402(2) A, c = 21.4791(3) A; alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 101.044(1) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees; V = 5167.27(12) A(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0531, and R(w) = 0.0948. Compound 2b crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 10.9339(2) A, b = 24.4858(1) A, c = 19.4874(3) A; alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 94.329(1) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees; V = 5202.38(13) A(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0459, and R(w) = 0.1140. The reaction of compound 1 with 2 equiv of bpy affords [Rh(2)(DTolF)(2)(bpy)(2)(CH(3)CN)][BF(4)](2) (3) which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a with a = 19.4534(4) A, b = 13.8298(3) A, c = 19.8218(5) A; alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 109.189(1) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees; V = 5036.5(2) A(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0589, and R(w) = 0.0860. Compound 1 reacts with 1 equiv of phen to form [Rh(2)(DTolF)(2)(phen)(CH(3)CN)(3)][BF(4)](2).2C(2)H(5)OC(2)H(5) (4) which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1macro with a = 12.6346(2) A, b = 13.5872(2) A, c = 19.0597(3) A; alpha = 71.948(1) degrees, beta = 73.631(1) degrees, gamma = 71.380(1) degrees; V = 2886.70(8) A(3), Z = 2, R = 0.0445, and R(w) = 0.1207. A notable feature of the cations in 2a, 3, and 4 is the presence of only one axial (ax) CH(3)CN ligand, a fact that can be attributed to the steric effect of the formamidinate bridging ligands. Compounds 2a, 2b, 3, and 4 were fully characterized by X-ray crystallography and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, whereas [Rh(2)(DTolF)(2)(phen)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][BF(4)](2) (5) was characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.     

Sensitivity of silver(I) complexes of a pyrimidine-hydrazone ligand to solvent, counteranion, and metal-to-ligand ratio changes

Metal complexation studies were performed with AgSO(3)CF(3) and AgBF(4) and the ditopic pyrimidine-hydrazone ligand 6-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde (2-methylpyrimidine-4,6-diyl)bis(1-methylhydrazone) (1) in both CH(3)CN and CH(3)NO(2) in a variety of metal-to-ligand ratios. The resulting complexes were studied in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Reacting either AgSO(3)CF(3) or AgBF(4) with 1 in either CH(3)CN or CH(3)NO(2) in a 1:1 metal-to-ligand ratio produced a double helicate in solution. This double helicate could be converted into a linear complex by increasing the metal-to-ligand ratio; however, the degree of conversion depended on the solvent and counteranion used. Attempts to crystallize the linear AgSO(3)CF(3) complex resulted in crystals with the dimeric structure [Ag(2)1(CH(3)CN)(2)](2)(SO(3)CF(3))(4) (2), while attempts to crystallize the AgSO(3)CF(3) double helicate from CH(3)CN resulted in crystals of another dimeric complex, [Ag(2)1(SO(3)CF(3))(CH(3)CN)(2)](2)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)·H(2)O (3). The AgSO(3)CF(3) double helicate was successfully crystallized from a mixture of CH(3)CN and CH(3)NO(2) and had the structure [Ag(2)1(2)](SO(3)CF(3))(2)·3CH(3)NO(2) (4). The linear AgBF(4) complex could not be isolated from the double helicate in solution; however, crystals grown from a solution containing both the AgBF(4) double helicate and linear complexes in CH(3)CN had the structure [Ag(2)1(CH(3)CN)(2)](BF(4))(2) (5). The AgBF(4) double helicate could only be crystallized from CH(3)NO(2) and had the structure [Ag(2)1(2)](BF(4))(2)·2CH(3)NO(2) (6).